WE DO THINGS DIFFERENTLY!
We're about to cross the finish line! Students have turned in their Final Portfolios; final grades have been posted; and teams are preparing for Field Day as I type this! As our eighth graders prepare to head off to their respective high schools, I wanted to express what an honor it has been to share my fourteenth year at DVA with your students. I've seen them grow as readers and writers. I've played a few games of chess with a number of them. I've had so many great conversations with them, not only about literature, but about life. There are great things ahead for these students, and I look forward to seeing what they go on to do in high school and beyond! Everyone have a great summer!
We had an incredible ending to our year! The students were busy learning about our state legislature and studying for their milestones! We had an incredible turnout this year, over 83% of our students scored in the 50th percentile or higher! I could not be more blessed to have been given such an incredible opportunity for my first year of teaching. All of you have raised such unique and incredible people, and I can't wait to see all of the amazing things that they go on to achieve in life!
They took their science milestones on May 7. After that, they finished up their portfolios with a final reflection blog, then researched for and executed their final Socratic Discussion about chemicals in our food, water and household items. They had such amazing discussions where some let to GLP-1s, vaccines, FDA regulations, and so much more! I know this is a conversation they will continue to have for many years to come. Then we made (and ate!) homemade ice cream while learning about freezing point depression, and heightened our senses with Obsentainers while reflecting on things we can't see like atoms and energy. I truly hope that what they learned this year in this class will resonate with them for years to come as they explore their world and become responsible citizens in it. :-) Thank you for the privilege and honor of teaching them this year! -Love, Coach Greene
Emerson Rotowt and Logan Johnson (not pictured)
On Friday May 8, the 8th grade DVA studetns joined the SHMS 8th grade students in our museum transformed into a black and white masquerede! They were able to let loose and have fun!
On May 11th, we got to celebrate graduation/celebration/awards with family and friends. What an amazing night with our 3 amazing speakers: Kailyn Artman (DVA 2022), Oscar Solache (DVA 2019), and MaryQuinn Mills (DVA 2016). They inspired this next generation of DVA graduates to go on and do great things!! We are so proud of this class of students!
On Friday May 15th, DVA 8th grade represented! Lucas and Kirby hosted, and Abigail Mathe received second for a dance she choreographed and performed with a partner!
8th grade day is a time to just hang out with friends! Walking the field, kicking a soccer ball, watching movies, playing games. And Chestnut Mountain Church comes and grills hamburgers and hot dogs for all the 8th graders!!
Our fourth and final unit celebration! On May 18, 8th grade DVA held their final Unit Celebration: Freedom and Responsibility! Students in GA Studies learned about GA food, games, music and other traditions! They then got to bring in a dish to share with everyone for the great "Georgia Feast." They alternated playing indoor and outdoor traditional southern games - including jacks, marbles, pick up sticks, chess, cornhole, jump rope, hula hoop, hopscotch, etc. And then in the afternoon they got to enjoy a movie - To Kill a Mockingbird - that they recently finished reading in English!
On Tuesday May 19th - Events, snacks, relays, parents, friends, water, face paint, screaming, and lots of fun! DVA Field Day 2026 was a success!! We started a new tradition this year with TRIBES! Instead of homerooms, we are building DVA unity by forming teams with 6th, 7th, and 8th graders that they will do together throughout their time here. Mr. Ray's tribe took home the trophy!! *Check out the social media pages for MANY more pictures of field day!
Winners of the 8th grade superlatives (voted on by their peers):
Museum: Best in Show: Lake Lanier Exhibit: Breanna Wilburn, Lizzy Falls, Brooklyn Buffington and Penelope Greene and Nancy Hart Exhibit: Leah Weaver, Sarahi Rodriguez, Kami Smith and Madeline DeLong
Biggest Glow Up: Xavi Rodriguez and Abigail Mathe
Most Likely to Become President: Coleman Friedell and Vicky Herrera
Best Hair: Raistlin Cannon (not pictured) and Aylin Martinez
Best Smile: Ian Wells-De Luna and Dayana Ortega
Dynamic Duo: Natalie Sandoval and Sofia Cuevas
Most Likely to Become Famous: Daniel Varner and Leah Weaver
Kindest: Mathew Carire Ruiz and Jocelyn Madrigal
Most Artistic: Manuel Cordova De Luna and Sammy Valdez
Most Unforgettable Personality: Greyson Poff and Romina Hernandez
Quintessential Da Vincian: Kellan Nguyen (not pictured) and Vicky Herrera
On behalf of all the 8th grade DVA teachers, it has been an AMAZING year! You guys have ROCKED your classes, clubs, competitions, sports, etc. You guys are so talented and passionate and we are so very proud of you. Have a great summer! Good Luck in High School next year!! Come back and visit. :-)